Why do many Muslims believe Allah to be a unitary phenomenon when the Quran clearly says otherwise?

Question

We have provided for them (2:3)
We have revealed from time to time to our servant (2: 23)
We said to the angels: "Bow down to Adam" (2: 34)
We said: "O Adam! dwell thou and thy wife in the Garden (2: 35)
We created man of potter's clay of black mud altered (15:26)

I could go on, but you get the drift

Answer 1

it's kinda long but it will answer your question. that's if you REALLY wanna know the answer of course.


We already know Allah our lord is One. As in Surah al-Ikhlas 112:1-4. But why does Allah the Lord use the word “We” to refer to Himself in many verse or ayat in the Qur’an? For example He says in Surah al-Anbiya’ 21:107 “And We did not send you (O Muhammad) except as a mercy to the world.” The word “we” is plural, more than one. Why does Allah use “We” instead of “I” to refer to Himself? (Izani Mahayudin bin Abd Aziz, Malaysia)

Answer. The Qur’an says very clearly that there is only One God, Allah. “There is no god but Allah” is the basic principle of Islam. There is no ambiguity about this fact in the Qur’an and there are hundreds of ayat or verses of the Qur’an that make this point very clear. Belief in more than one God is Shirk (polytheism) and a major sin according to the Qur’an.

Whenever in the Qur’an Allah is mentioned in the third person there are always singular pronouns used, such as He, him (Huwa or Hu). Whenever Allah is spoken to in the second person there are also singular pronouns, such as Thou, Thine and Thee (Anta, Ka). However only in the first person some times the pronouns I, My or Mine (Ana, Iyaya, ya) are used and sometimes We, Us and Our (Nahnu, Na) are used.

This is a style of speech. Sometime the speaker says I and sometime says we. We also use that in our conversations. In the Qur’an you will see that often the first person singular such as I or My is used, when Allah speaks about His love, care and closeness and forgiveness for His servants. In a similar way the first person plural is often used when Allah speaks about His power, majesty, glory, great deeds or when He speaks about His anger and wrath for the sinners and criminals. (This is, of course, the general use. Sometime the reverse is also the case, depending on the context of the Surah.)

See for example the verses where the first person singular is used: “When My servants ask thee concerning Me, I am indeed close (to them): I listen to the prayer of every suppliant when he calleth on Me: let them also, with a will, listen to My call, and believe in Me: that they may walk in the right way.” (al-Baqarah 2:186) Or “Verily, I am Allah: there is no god but I: so serve thou Me (only), and establish regular prayer for celebrating My praise.” (Taha 20:14) or “But, without doubt, I am (also) He that forgives again and again, to those who repent, believe, and do right, who, in fine, are ready to receive true guidance.” (Taha 20:82) or see another example where both pronouns are used side by side, “Before them the People of Noah rejected (their Messenger): they rejected Our servant, and said, “Here is one possessed!” and he was driven out. Then he called on His Lord: “I am one overcome: do Thou then help (me)!” So We opened the gates of heaven, with water pouring forth. And We caused the earth to gush forth with springs. So the waters met (and rose) to the extent decreed. But We bore him on an (Ark) made of broad planks and caulked with palm-fiber: She floats under Our eyes (and care): a recompense to one who had been rejected (with scorn)! And We have left this as a Sign (for all time): then is there any that will receive admonition? But how (terrible) was My Penalty and My Warning? (al-Qamar 54:9-16)

See also some verses where the first person plural is used: “We have, without doubt, sent down the Message; and We will assuredly guard it (from corruption).” (al-Hijr 15:9) or “We created not the heavens, the earth, and all between them, but for just ends. And the Hour is surely coming” (al-Hijr 15:85) or “And among His Signs is this: thou seest the earth barren and desolate; but when We send down rain to it, it is stirred to life and yields increase. Truly, He Who gives life to the (dead) earth can surely give life to (men) who are dead. For He has power over all things.” (Fussilat 41:39). Or “Already has Our Word been passed before (this) to Our Servants sent (by Us). That they would certainly be assisted. And that Our forces, they surely must conquer. So turn thou away from them for a little while. And watch them (how they fare), and they soon shall see. Do they wish (indeed) to hurry on our Punishment? But when it descends into the open space before them, evil will be the morning for those who were warned (and heeded not) (al-Saffat 37:171-177). There are many other examples.

Answer 2

I was once additionally underneath the impact that even as the Qur'an was once discovered to the Holy Prophet (pbuh), regularly the ayat was once Allah talk instantly (in first character) and regularly a quote for a further Prophet or character. But finally, regularly it is the Angel Gabrial (A.S.) speakme on behalf of the angels and so the "we" is relating to the neighborhood of angels. As good as what you stated approximately Pluralis Majestatis from time to time.

Answer 3

Ok, first the script of the Quran was translated exactly the same as the Arabic, word by word, which they vary in grammar and everything.

In real life when I talk about myself I usually say "we"

"We went to the uni today"

Sometimes my friend says "We're coming over"

and the "we" here is the same a the "I"

no big DEAL =O)

Answer 4

Do you know your English language? Most words have more than one meaning.

3. We - used instead of "I": used by a writer or speaker to include the listener or speaker in what is being said, especially to talk about how a book or talk is organized
We will now consider the causes of the Civil War.

Answer 5

Agree with Malcolm X 120 percent

Answer 6

It seems like they can not get their minds in line with the book they say they live by, There is way too much confusion with their thinking & scriptures that they claim to follow, Satan is the author of confusion, & not God, As far as them bowing down to Adam , they go completely against any True Christian teaching because the word of God said thou shalt not have any other gods before Thee.

Answer 7

In the name of Allah, the Benificent, the Merciful

قُلْ هُوَ اللَّهُ أَحَدٌ

112.1 . Say : He is Allah , the One!

اللَّهُ الصَّمَدُ

112.2 . Allah , the eternally Besought of all!

لَمْ يَلِدْ وَلَمْ يُولَدْ

112.3 . He begetteth not nor was begotten .

وَلَمْ يَكُن لَّهُ كُفُواً أَحَدٌ

112.4 . And there is none comparable unto Him .


"We are not amused" Queen Victoria.

It is statement from authority, similar to the dicta you have quoted.

Answer 8

Did Poki Poki's answer tell you anything? That's typical of Muslim evasivness. A bunch of blah, blah, blah, and no real answer.

My favorite excuse from a Muslim was that "When you convert the Koran from Arabic to English it loses it's meaning". That's a good one.

Answer 9

You got my support Poki Poki.To birdsflies,you Christian are the one now that are bowing to the prophet Jesus.In the Quran bowing means respect. check your bible flaws in Evilbible.com

Answer 10

You are such a smarty-pants. You should host "Media Watch" on the ABC.

Answer 11

i was going to answer when i saw that malcolm x and poki poki left no need. :) peace be with both of you